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Bandung

Tree-lined boulevards and graceful colonial buildings hark back to Bandung’s past grandeur as “Parijs van Java”-- the Paris of Java. The city is surrounded by fertile highlands dotted by picturesque tea plantations and fruit orchards which also make excellent vantage points for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Bandung to many, is a shopping paradise filled with factory outlets and affordable designer goods, whilst for the smaller spenders, it’s a recreational city filled with dramatic landscapes and palatable offerings.

Top 5 Must Do's

Shopping

Let’s not deny that shopping is the main reason why Bandung is crowded all year long! Whatever you’re hunting for, you will definitely not run out of areas to shop - Pasa Baru for general fashion items; Jl. Dr. Setiabudi, Jl. Riau (Jl. LLRE Martadinata) and Jl. Dago (Jl. Ir. H. Juanda) for factory outlets; Jl. Trunojoyo and Jl. Sultan Agung for distribution outlets; Jl. Cihampelas for jeans and Jl. Cibaduyut for shoes and leather accessories. Look for affordable finds at Bandung’s malls (air-conditioned, mind you) like Cihampelas Walk (CiWalk), Bandung Supermall or Paris Van Java.

Angklung Performance

The pride and joy of the Sundanese, UNESCO has given the Indonesian Angklung the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage. There are several places where you can watch Angklung performances, Saung Angklung Udjo being the most popular one. Aside from an impromptu Angklung lesson, the daily show presents audience with excerpts from traditional art forms such as wayang golek (wooden puppet show), traditional dances and ceremonies.

Mount Tangkuban Parahu, Kawah Putih and Ciater

It takes only a couple of short trips from Bandung to discover the secret to West Java’s verdant landscape: volcanic activity. Drive to Mount Tangkuban Parahu crater’s rim, the only mountain in Indonesia where you can do so. Witness the magical hues of Kawah Putih’s crater. A massage session and a dip in the hot spring water at Ciater make a perfect ending for your mountain excursion.

Tea Plantations and Strawberry Farms

A walk among the tea plantations can prove to be calming and therapeutic, but you can also go for more active pursuits such as biking, horseback riding or even paragliding. Family members young and old will enjoy picking strawberries and eating various strawberry-themed meals at one of the many strawberry farms. Oh, did we mention that the cooling weather is perfect for the plantation walks as well?

Colonial Buildings

Everywhere you go, you will see the remnants of elegant colonial Dutch buildings from hotels to warehouses, including Bandung’s iconic landmark Gedung Sate (the governor’s office). Architecture enthusiasts will be happy to know that Bandung has the largest collection of 1920s art deco buildings in the world.